David Pitkin
Saturday, September 19, 1942
Date of Death:
Monday, August 22, 2011
Age:
68 years old
Saturday, September 19, 1942
Date of Death:
Monday, August 22, 2011
Age:
68 years old
Saturday, September 19, 1942
Date of Death:
Monday, August 22, 2011
Age:
68 years old
David Pitkin
A celebration of the life of David Pitkin will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church on Thursday August 25 at 11:00 AM. The family will greet family and friends an hour prior to the service.
David died at his home in Rochester on Monday August 22, 2011 of a massive cerebral hemorrhage.
David Winton Pitkin was born September 19,1942 in Clear Lake, Iowa to Norval and Doris (Conibear) Pitkin.
In 1961 he graduated from Clear Lake High School in Clear Lake, Iowa.
In 1963 he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Kay Shoop, at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, Iowa.
David graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa with a BA Degree in Mathematics in 1965. He received his Masters Degree in Mathematics in 1969 from the University of Northern Iowa and later an Educational Specialist.
David taught mathematics for 5 years at East Waterloo High School in Waterloo, Iowa, and for 32 years at John Marshall High School in Rochester, Minnesota, retiring in 2001.
As a member of the National Teachers Association and the Rochester Education Association he served for several years as chief teacher negotiator in contract settlements.
While teaching he purchased a farm near Oslo, Minnesota and enjoyed grain farming for the past 25 years. He found great peace planting and watching the crops grow to harvest as they thrived under his care and excellent farm management skills. Everything he did was done to the best of his ability.
Gentle hearted David loved nature as he fed birds and animals, lingered by his farm creek, and maintained two immaculate lawns.
His grandchildren loved being with him and he with them especially on tractor rides and gator rides at the farm as well as a ride in one of his three classic cars. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing in his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and other accomplishments. David loved traveling especially to mountainous scenery locations with many trips to the western United States/Canada including Alaska and Hawaii as well as Norway.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Steven, in infancy.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandra, one son, Daniel, (Carleen) of Highland Illinois, one daughter, Angela, (Rob) of Corvallive, Iowa, three grandchildren, David, Alicia, and Laura, one brother, Galen (Cecelia) of Clear Lake, Iowa and one sister, Judy (Don) Ytzen of Clear Lake, Iowa along with several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be given to Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester.
A private family burial will be held at Clear Lake Cemetery in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Macken Funeral Home Funeral is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences
The family of David Pitkin has received the following condolences.
Sandy and family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of David's sudden passing. I remember how supportive and faithful you folks were during my years at Bethel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Eileen Quello
We just got back into Rochester and are so saddened by the news that Dave has left us. I have such fond memories of our coaching days together with Angie and Pam's youth basketball team. I have those trophies on a shelf in my office and when I happen to look at them I think of Dave and Angie. My heart goes out to your family. Please accept our sympathy in this difficult time and if ever you need anything don't hesitate to contact us. God bless your family!!
Dear Sandra, Dan, and Angela,
It was so sad to learn of the passing of Dave. As you know I spent many years teaching with Dave at John Marshall. He loved his family very much and always updated us as to what was going in with Sandy, Dan, and Angela. We had a great time playing cards during our short lunch break at noon, it took our minds off the teaching tasks ahead for the rest of the day. I was able to visit the farm several times. We would look over the fields and the equipment in the big shed. Once I even looked through the big pile of rocks down by the creek checking for Indian artifacts. Being a number cruncher he knew all the strategies of producing and marketing his crops. I was always interested in his explanations of how all those aspects of farming worked. He certainly knew how to get the best deal. He waited and made quite a few offers before he bought the first farm. With Dave's early and untimely death another part of our own lives has been taken away. As a family I'm sure you have so many wonderful memories of your husband, father, and grandfather. You will find comfort thinking often about all those good times and experiences.
Les & Sally Neeb
Dear Pitkin family and extended loved ones,
I am very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man you knew as husband, father, grandfather, and teacher. His legacy of kindness and concern lives on through those he touched in his lifetime. My condolences to you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Heidi Arbisi-Kelm
Dear Sandy and Family,
My deepest sympathy to the family of former JM colleague, David Pitkin. He was a great addition to the John Marshall staff and both of my sons' favorite math teacher. We were members of Bethel Lutheran from '67-'73.
LeRoy and Judy Larson, Burnsville, Mn.
Dear Sandy and Family,
My deepest sympathy to the family of former JM colleague, David Pitkin. He was a great addition to the John Marshall staff and both of my sons' favorite math teacher. We were members of Bethel Lutheran from '67-'73.
LeRoy and Judy Larson, Burnsville, Mn.
My most sincere condolences go out to Mrs. Pitkin, Dan, and Angela. As your neighbor for many years, I recall your husband/father fondly. I can see him throwing the ball with Dan, shooting bb guns, working in the yard or on the car. If I remember correctly, Angela, he was our t-ball coach, too. He was always very kind. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
--Liam
Mr. Pitkin was my math teacher at JM and I enjoyed having him as a teacher. He always made class fun and interesting. I am sorry for your loss.
Mr. Pitkin was my math teacher at JM. I was never very good at math, but I'll always remember that he didn't give up on me. He always had a smile and encouragement for his students.
Sandy and family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Dave. He was an outstanding husband, parent, and teacher. Dave was held in high esteem and respect as a teacher, and he was a role model for younger teachers to follow.
May the wonderful memories of Dave sustain you all now and in the future. The thoughts and prayers of the many people who knew Dave are with you now.
Sandy Soltis
Thank you for your years of teaching... Love... from the Doug and Rita Oslund Family...
Sandy and family,since we don't know the right words to say , we simply say how sorry we are to hear about David. We pray that you keep the good memories close to you especially his love.
SANDY AND FAMILY - WE WERE SO SAD TO HEAR OF DAVID'S DEATH. SENDING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY OUR LOVE - RICHARD AND MARY GREKOFF